"Because they made you be, the same way they did to me," Michael said. "I don't think the rules go away just because you signed on a dotted line with Valenti. They say jump, you have to jump, right? Even if it's into bed with someone, or into a pool filled with sex toys?"

"It sounds like you still work too damn much," Michael told him. "Even if you probably like some of it at least." He considered Alex and then asked him more quietly. "Makes it easier not to think?" he guessed.